In a major step toward addressing the alarming rate of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s football, FIFA has announced it will fund a pioneering research project exploring the potential connection between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and increased injury risk. The year-long study is set to begin in May 2025 at Kingston University London, and could reshape how women’s sports medicine approaches injury prevention.
ACL injuries have become a rising concern in the women’s game, with high-profile players like Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, and Sam Kerr all sidelined by the devastating injury in recent seasons. Data already shows that female footballers are two to six times more likely to suffer ACL tears than their male counterparts—a disparity that has fueled demand for deeper, gender-specific research.
Dr. Simon Augustus, senior lecturer in sport biomechanics at Kingston University, said the study aims to uncover whether specific phases of the menstrual cycle increase susceptibility to injury. “We want to explore if athletes are more vulnerable to ACL injuries due to the hormonal and physiological changes that occur throughout their cycle. While we know hormones like oestrogen and progesterone fluctuate, we still don’t fully understand how much that impacts injury risk.”
Participants from clubs including Chelsea and Fulham, as well as grassroots players, will contribute blood samples and performance data throughout their menstrual cycles. The researchers will closely examine hormone levels, ligament flexibility, and neuromuscular responses. Particular attention will be given to movements that commonly cause ACL tears, such as sudden pivots or awkward landings after heading the ball.
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This landmark research comes amid growing awareness of the need for tailored injury prevention strategies in women’s sports. “We recognize that not all injuries are preventable,” Augustus said, “but we’re focused on the non-contact injuries, the ones that seem to happen out of nowhere. That’s where interventions like targeted strength training or adjusting movement techniques may make a significant difference.”
The FIFA-backed study aligns with recent findings from other major institutions. In May 2024, researchers from University College London, University of Bath, and St Mary’s University revealed that players were up to six times more likely to suffer muscle injuries in the days leading up to menstruation than during it. The research has reinforced calls for a more personalized, data-driven approach to athlete care.
Meanwhile, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), global players’ union Fifpro, Nike, and Leeds Beckett University have launched a separate three-year investigation into ACL prevention. Their study is analyzing a wide range of environmental and structural factors, from squad-to-staff ratios and facility access, to training frequency, match schedules, and even the suitability of football boots and pitch quality.
Brighton & Hove Albion CEO Paul Barber recently disclosed that the club is conducting its own internal research to ensure their new women’s stadium is optimized for player safety, highlighting how widespread and urgent this issue has become across the professional game.
With FIFA now stepping in to directly support scientific inquiry, the hope is that this trailblazing research will not only protect the next generation of women footballers but also lead to changes in training, equipment, and even match scheduling across the global game.
